Anonymous complaints are accepted and will be investigated. However, it is better to provide contact details so that we can inform you of the outcome of our investigations.

The definition of a complaint

A complaint is...

"An expression of dissatisfaction about the council's action or lack of action or about the standard of a service, whether the action taken or the service was provided by the council itself or a body acting on behalf of the Council"

A complaint is not an initial request for service. Please use the Council website's A-to-Z to log directly with the relevant service.

We will:

Endeavour to deal with your complaint within 5 working days where it is possible to do so or where it is of an urgent nature. Otherwise we will acknowledge your complaint within this time frame and provide a substance response within 20 workings days (stage 1 complaints) and 20 working days (stage 2 complaints).

Seek to match your needs in service delivery and quality

Continue to bring services nearer to local people through consultation in our District Assemblies

You can help us by:

Reporting any dangerous building or structure that poses an immediate danger on 0161 342 2637 or 0161 342 2638 during office hours or telephone 0161 342 2222 out of office hours.

Logging initial requests for a service direct to the relevant service via the A-to-Z

Informing us of any dissatisfaction you may have, with any of our services.

Providing us with clear concise information of your complaint and daytime contact details.

Telling us if you don't understand anything on this webpage

What happens when a complaint is received?

A Service Unit Manager or their delegate will endeavour to deal with your complaint within 5 working days where it is possible to do so or where it is of an urgent nature. Otherwise we will acknowledge your complaint within this time frame and provide a substantive response within 20 workings days (stage 1 complaints) and 20 working days (stage 2 complaints) or at the very least keep you advised within these timescales where the matter is up to and why it is taking longer than intended and the timescales for responding to you.

If you are still not happy:

If you are not happy with the time we took to respond, with the way we kept you informed, or with the manner in which you were dealt with you can progress your complaint to the next stage, which is known as a stage 2 complaint.

The Complaints Officer will arrange for the relevant Head of Service/Senior Manager to investigate your complaint. Your complaint will be responded to within 20 working days. Sometimes delays are unavoidable, but if we do need longer to resolve your complaint, we will explain the reasons for any delay and update you on progress at regular intervals until conclusion.

You may wish to seek advice from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman who is not part of Tameside MBC. The Ombudsman can be contacted on 0845 602 1983 or at www.lgo.org.uk.

How to log a complaint

Visit the webpage that covers the subject of your complaint (use the search box or A-Z). If the answer to your complaint is not covered on that webpage then follow the link at the bottom of the page to log your complaint.

Equal Opportunities

Tameside Council is committed to giving an equal service to all. This means we will not treat you any differently because of your:- sex, colour, race, nationality, ethnic group, regional or national origin, age, marital status, disability, political or religious belief, sexuality or class.